St. Croix This Week / Watersports
Dive Experience turns 30 this year! Owner Michelle Pugh, 35-year resident of St. Croix, learned to dive in LA in 1970. It all started with a high school class in tide pool biology followed by swimming lessons and an open water dive class at North Hollywood YMCA.
Michelle dived weekends and holidays and worked part time with Fish & Wildlife in the summers while attending school in San Diego. In the fall of 1977, she had a chance to go to St. Croix to teach diving. She fell in love with St. Croix and its diving and decided to start her own business.
One of her most incredible dives was in 1979 as a photographer in Canada shooting killer whales for the book, A Whale Called Killer, by Erich Hoyt-- an experience that would serve her well later on.
Continue reading "Dive Experience - At 30 Years, The Name Says It All!" »
 Big Beard's Adventure Tours has been offering daily Full and a Half Day Buck Island Snorkel Tours as well as Sunset Sails from St. Croix for over 33 years!
The Full Day Sail, on our 42-foot sailing catamaran "Renegade," departs at 9:30 am and returns at 3:30 pm. "Renegade" was designed and built right here on St. Croix, and is the only sailboat on St. Croix with a glass bottom viewing window!
Continue reading "See Buck Island Our Way!" »
St. Croix is surrounded by some of the most beautiful water in the world! How can you not get in it, get under it, or on top of it? Year-round warm temperatures make it so inviting for all kinds of activities.
Hop aboard a catamaran or trimaran and head with the pros to Buck Island off St. Croix's North Shore and 7 miles from Christiansted. Leave from town or Green Cay Marina. Visit Buck Island Reef National Monument--the first US Underwater National Park! Imagine guided snorkel tours through crystal clear water...
Caribbean sunsets are amazing especially when reflected in our beautiful waters. You can enjoy this romantic activity any day of the week with boats leaving from town and Gallows Bay.
Continue reading "Watersports & Activities" »
What is a Marine Protected Area (MPA's) you may ask? MPA's are marine areas designated for protection and/or management because of the area's importance or uniqueness. MPA's can enhance the local economy, protect and restore ecosystems, mitigate effects of overuse, provide recreational opportunities and supplement fishing catch through spill-over outside its boundaries.
The St. Croix East End Marine Park (STXEEMP) was established on January 15, 2003 in order to achieve its mission of protecting significant marine resources, promoting sustainability of marine ecosystems, and conserving and preserving significant natural and cultural areas for current and future generations. It includes 17 miles of shoreline spanning from Green Cay to Point Udall and wrapping down around to Great Pond Bay.
Continue reading "St. Croix East End Marine Park" »
For the past eight months, visitors and locals have become captivated by St. Croix's first see-through Kayak tour, Sea-Thru Kayaks VI, run by father and son team Craig and Bryce Scott. Participants can learn about St. Croix's unique eco-system and history, glide through crystal clear water with the flip of a paddle and watch the underwater world surrounding them.
A special attraction is the nighttime bioluminescence tour, mostly visible two weeks out of the month. A visitor from Colorado likened the experience to "Avatar's magical land of Pandora." As the kayaks skim over the dark water, agitated bioluminescent organisms glow neon green, engulfing the kayak and any other moving object, such as a paddles, darting fish or gliding eagle rays.
Continue reading "Sea-Thru Kayaks" »
So now you have arrived on the island, settled into your beach chair, adult beverage in hand and you are browsing St. Croix This Week looking at all the wonderful things there are to do on St. Croix. You probably noticed that there's a lot of scuba diving going on here and might be thinking "I wish I'd gotten certified before coming on vacation". You might not know that you don't have to be certified to go scuba diving.
All of the dive shops on St. Croix offer a version of an introductory or resort dive course. It only takes about an hour or two of easy training in the swimming pool (or shallow pool like conditions off the beach) and you'll be set to explore the largest living reef of any Caribbean island with your Instructor right by your side. During the training you'll learn some scuba diving basics. We call them the "what ifs". What if I get water in my mask? What if I run out of air? What if I see a shark? Then your Instructor will take you diving along the reef to no deeper than 40 feet. You'll probably get hooked and want to get scuba certified when you get back home.
Continue reading "Explore the Living Reef" »
 The Captain and crew of World Ocean School's historic schooner Roseway return to St. Croix early November for their fourth season of educational programming and public day sails.
World Ocean School will once again offer activities that help raise funds for the winter programs, including sunset sails for locals and visitors. Roseway will also be available for holiday parties and events with part of the cost a tax-deductible donation to the World Ocean School.
Roseway will again be hosting 700 7th grade students and will also host an overnight sail program for current 8th graders who came through the 7th grade program last year. Private school and youth organization programs will be accommodated as well.
World Ocean School creates and provides a method of experiential education at sea that cultivates teamwork, community service, environmental responsibility, and cross-cultural friendships so that teenage students worldwide gain insight into becoming empowered, motivated, and engaged citizens. For more information on programs and schedules, visit them online at www.worldoceanschool.org or call 340-626-7877.
By Anna Holley
 It might surprise you to know that the waters surrounding St. Croix are brimming with hungry Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, Marlin, and other species of game fish. Other Caribbean locales get more publicity, but St. Croix has much to offer anglers seeking the thrill of reeling in the catch of a lifetime.
Captain Carl Holley stakes his livelihood on providing an excellent day on the water. His passion is fishing, and he loves to show his clients just how exciting a sport fishing charter can be. One of the biggest misconceptions about fishing St. Croix is that you must go far offshore to catch big fish. "Not true," says Captain Carl. "The ocean floor drops to more than a thousand feet just a mile outside of the Christiansted Harbor." Because worthy opponents like Mahi, Wahoo, and Marlin thrive in deep water, anglers enjoy more time fishing and less time traveling to hot spots.
Continue reading "The Reel Story: Sportfishing in St. Croix" »
Award-winning Owner Celebrates 26 years and A Slot in the Women Divers' Hall of Fame!
 Michelle Pugh learned to dive in LA in 1970. Her interest in marine life began with a high school class in tide pool biology. Swimming lessons and her first open water dive class at the North Hollywood YMCA followed.
Michelle dived most weekends and holidays and later worked part time with Fish and Wildlife in the summers while attending school in San Diego. In the fall of 1977, she had a chance to go to St. Croix to teach diving for three months at VI Divers Ltd., falling in love with the island and its diving and staying on to start her own business!
One of the most incredible dives she ever made was in 1979 when asked to go to Canada to photograph killer whales for a book, A Whale called Killer, by Erich Hoyt. This experience would serve her well down the road.
Continue reading "Dive Experience - First PADI 5-Star IDC Center on St. Croix" »
Ride on our beautiful and spacious sailing catamaran Renegade or the newest and quickest power cat Adventure from Christiansted Wharf to Buck Islalnd. Try our famous beach BB Q on Renegade's full day trip, or take a fast ride on Adventure's half day trip, or enjoy a sunset cruise at the end of your day. Captain Big Beard is also and ordained minister and performs weddings on board or around the island. (Services provided within Buck Island Reef National Monument are authorized by a National Park Service concession contract.) Csted Map #45
Located adjacent to Fort Christiansvaern, CSA hosts several excursions to this US underwater National Park. Enjoy a full-day sail aboard our 32' catamaran "Wavedancer" or our 32' trimaran "Trine." We also offer half-day glass bottom powerboat excursions, which are the fastest way to get there! Don't miss out on our famous West Indian-style BBQ--all you can eat and drink. Ask about our underwater video systems. Csted Map #60
Sail, hike, snorkel, and relax on the Jolly Roger 42' Catamaran with Captain Mike. Sail to Buck Island on a half or full day trip and experience the colorful reefs, beautiful hiking and white sand beach (snorkel gear and instruction included). The Jolly Roger can accommodate small groups up to six or private groups up to twenty to Buck Island. Most trips depart from the boardwalk in Christiansted. Jolly Roger is a National Park Service Concessionaire. Csted Map #17
Sailing aboard either of these trimarans, departing from Green Cay Marina with Captain Heinz or Captain Carl, is a wonderful way to visit Buck Island. Dragonfly is exclusive for six passengers Recommended in Frommers Tour Guide. Island Map #91
Located at Rainbow Beach, north of Frederiksted, we offer a relaxing beach, great food at Rhythms, music, beach volleyball and ATV Rainforest Tours at Gecko Island Adventures all at one beautiful spot. Locals frequent Rainbow Beach and visitors should not leave St. Croix without experiencing the exquisite Rainbow sunsets. The waters out West are crystal clear and the riding area is second-to-none. Our Wave Runners glide over the smooth, clear water providing beautiful views and photo ops of the bottom and the shoreline as well. Reserve your Wave Runner, Kayak, Snorkeling Gear, Beach Umbrella and Beach Chairs on our website: WestEndWaterSports.net. Voted "Best Local Tour on St. Croix," 2009 by readers of the Daily News. F'sted Map #3
Charter the boat and the captain for you and five friends! Tour Christiansted Harbor and East to Green Cay or your own personalized itinerary. Captain Leklou can customize your tour to suit your interests - seeing island views or sunsets, snorkeling, a celebration, or just some time out on the water with family. Marvel underwater life and the ocean floor from the comfort of a shaded deck. One set price per hour - $80 for one to six passengers. Seaside Tour offers a private charter at an affordable price! Visit us at www.seasidetour.biz. Call ahead to reserve. Look for the red and white boat on the boardwalk in front of Angry Nates. C'sted Map #60
- Dive a Wall--it drops over 13,000 feet.
- Dive a reef--the largest living reef of any Caribbean island.
- Dive a wreck--there are 5 within 100 yards of each other.
- Dive a Pier--the most phenomenal macro dive you'll ever do...all in the same day! One day introductory courses and beach dives get beginners in the water within hours of initial instruction!
We're the only dive center located in Salt River Bay National Park offering 5-minute boat rides to the most requested Walls and famous North shore dive sites. Join us for a package and get a complimentary historical/ecological kayak tour with Caribbean Adventure Tours! Island Map #106
It's always a great day at Cane Bay. There's something for the entire family. Dive, snorkel or just relax on the beach at beautiful Cane Bay. A perfect place for beginner snorkeling or diving. The perfect spot for the most advanced divers. Boat, beach, wreck, night and pier dives all done daily. Try SCUBA diving any day no experience necessary! Just give us a call for one of the best times you will have on St. Croix! On a cruise ship? Just walk right across the street to our Frederiksted Store under the large red and white dive flag to set up a great day for the whole family. Island Map #35
Get to know St. Croix's underwater wildlife--Turtles, Eels, Sting Rays, Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Dolphins, and even Humpback Whales with St. Croix's Original PADI 5-Star IDC Center! Michelle Pugh, a member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, opened Dive Experience in 1983 and has the most experienced dive staff on the island. Diver safety, combined with fun and preservation of the marine environment are our primary concerns. Daily Boat Dives. Diver Training. We love to dive and it shows! www.divexp.com
Christiansted Map #37.
Located on the property of the Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa, Sweet Bottom Dive Shop offers shore diving daily to the famous Davis Bay Wall located just over 100 yards off shore. Dive/Accommodation packages are available. Ever wanted to scuba dive? You can enjoy a Discover Scuba experience right in front of the resort. We also have great North Shore snorkeling, volleyball, bocce ball, and kayaks, among other activities, on one of the most beautiful beaches on St. Croix. There is a full-service restaurant and bar/lounge located next to the dive shop. Diving is always sweeter at Sweet Bottom Dive Center! www.sweetbottomdive.com Island Map #33
SUP, aka "KU Hoe He'e Nalu," originated in Hawaii but has arrived on the West End of St. Croix! With a quick learning curve our trained crew will have you "standing strong" in no time at all. We offer daily lessons & rentals or customized SUP Safaris through the mangroves of Altoona Lagoon or the East End Marine Park. Book a SUP Party or Full Moon Paddle. Get out of the gym and get fit through our SUP Fitness program - build core strength, and improve muscle mass and endurance. We also teach Kids SUP which includes water safety, balance, and stroke. Full Service SUP and surf retail and rental shop at Limin' beach across from the Frederiksted ballpark. Living the Stoke! F'sted Map #12 & #14
If you want to enjoy St Croix's best playground, come try the fastest growing water sports: Stand Up Paddle surfing and kiteboarding. Our full service operation is the only school on St Croix run by professional athletes, fully insured, and P.A.S.A. certified. With s.u.p. you will benefit from a great work out while gliding over the beautiful Caribbean water. S.u.p. can be practiced on flat water but we also teach wave riding. For the more adventurous visitors, kiteboarding is the thrill of a lifetime. The beginner package is a three half-day course while we also offer advanced lessons for the experienced riders. Give us a call. We work inside the East End Marine Park. www.kitestcroix.com St. Croix Map #58
Voted Best Kayak Tour on St Croix 2009-2012, in The Daily News readers' poll, and the best Eco-Tourism on St Croix 2012! Virgin Kayak Tours offers half day, full day and weeklong kayak excursions to: Salt river Bay National park; Bio-Bay; Shell island; Green Cay Wildlife preserve; Sandy point National Wildlife refuge, among others. Serving the St Croix community for over 14 years, Virgin focuses on ecology, history, cultural landscape and fun! They use Hobie mirage Kayaks, so even the windiest days are No problem! located at Cane Bay Beach.
www.virginkayaktours.com. St. Croix Map #35
Come fishing aboard Irie Feelin a 40' air-conditioned Viking rigged to the teeth for offshore fishing including a full complement of Penn International Reels with custom rods and a Release Marine Fighting Chair. Irie Fellin, with bridge and cockpit mezzanine seating, has had a complete interior refit. Captain Harold Price has had more than 25 years of worldwide offshore fishing experience to show you a no compromise adventure on the sea. Let's go fishing! Call for reservations. Christiansted boardwalk. fishing@viaccess.net, www.virginislandsoutfitters.com. Christiansted Map #42
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Watersports Directory: • Dive Experience - At 30 Years, The Name Says It All!
• See Buck Island Our Way!
• Watersports & Activities
• St. Croix East End Marine Park
• Sea-Thru Kayaks
• Explore the Living Reef
• Schooner Roseway Returns
• The Reel Story: Sportfishing in St. Croix
• Dive Experience - First PADI 5-Star IDC Center on St. Croix
• Buck Island Excursions & Sunset Sails
• Wave Runners and Jet Skis
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Kite / Paddle / Surf
• Kayak Tours
• Sportfishing
• Freedom City Surf Shop & Grill
• Anchor Dive Center
• Bush Tribe
• Caribbean Sea Adventures
• Sweet Bottom Dive Center
• Teroro
• West End Water Sports
• Seaside Tours
• Kitesurf / Paddlesurf St. Croix
• Virgin Kayak Tours
• See-Thru Kayak Adventures
• Irie Feelin
• St. Croix Dive Experience
• Big Beard's Adventure Tours
• Jolly Roger
• Buck Island Charters
• Cane Bay Dive Shop
• Sport Fishing Aboard Mocko Jumbie With Captain Carl Holley
• Island Snippet: Conch Shells
• Island Snippet: Underwater Weddings
• Island Snippet: Starfish
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